Distinguished Bishop, Founder and General Overseer of the Life International Church, Dr. Gordon Kisseih, spent some moments on yet another insightful episode of the YLeaderboard Series.
Wednesday’s Y Leaderboard Series – a feature of Y107.9FM’s Myd Morning Radio Show where leaders and achievers from all sectors and industries in Ghana and beyond inspire hope, share leadership and coaching advice – observed the presence of Bishop Gordon Kisseih as he narrated his life-changing experiences in his youthful days, and shared some lessons to the growing generations.
Bishop Gordon, in the interview with Naa Dzama, shared that growing up was a tough experience for him and his family. However, having parents and guardians who were determined to cater for him together with his relatives appeared to be a blessing to him.
“Growing up, there was no silver spoon in the country. So you have spoons alright but they weren’t silver spoons, and for me I saw those spoons as opportunities. I had opportunities from my parents because if you have parents who could provide for you, that is one of the few things we should be grateful for. They took care of me and my relatives, cousins and nieces so obviously my family house was very big, and we had a lot of our distant relatives leaving together with us,” he shared.
According to him, he grew up in a very big household, encompassing both his siblings and extended relatives. Nonetheless, they all related as brothers and sisters despite the relationship tags. For him that helped him become sociable and relatable to others regardless of their background.
“That helped me to be a social person. We didn’t consider ourselves as siblings and the distant families, but we all considered ourselves as brothers and sisters. So yes, to have parents who could take care of you could be some opportunity to you.”
Bishop Gordon further charged the youth to be appreciative of the efforts of their caretakers as he reiterated that a grateful heart attracts miracles in life’s journey. Bishop who appears to have emerged from a Christian home disclosed that despite being a Christian, he was only able to submit his life to Christ when he entered secondary school. According to him having good friends in life is very crucial for the growth and development of an individual.
“It was friends. I want to tell my audience that they need to have very good friends. There was this young man in the school, and he was very quiet. He was different, and I kept asking who he was; but later, I got to know that he was the senior prefect of the school.
He, one day, invited me to a Scripture Union meeting and at that point in form 1, I gave my life to Christ. By the time I left the school, I was the assistant senior prefect. So you could see that if you follow people, they can influence you very directly. So I want to say I wasn’t sick or rushed to the hospital to give myself to Christ or had any angelic visitation, but I had this friend in my life.”
He, therefore, asked the youth to be cautious of the kind of friends they mingle with.
Combining both Christian life with school, he noted how demanding that was; however, he was disciplined and willing to follow the path he had chosen. “I didn’t have any dramatic way of coming to Christ, but just spending more time with the Lord will help you and get you ready for all that. I could stay in the library and do a lot more work and study. So if I was going to fellowship, I knew that I had two hours which I must be able to use to catch up. Also, I used my room a lot because in those days and years, we didn’t have many roommates and that gave me so much privacy,” he stated.
The General Overseer of Life International Church advised Christians to pursue education – no matter how little – as he reiterated that Christianity does not frown on education. The man of God posited that education can develop one into a critical thinker who can analyse and make the best out of every situation. “I encourage every young person to develop the habit or drive to study. If you are able to think critically, it helps us get something out of every situation.”
He further charged the youth to pursue soft skills regardless of their academic qualifications. Although formal education is important, he insists soft skills put one ahead of their colleagues.
